Looks like I'll be doing some body work on my vacation

[Skin Mechanic]

Because a plastic panel with a hole in it is more prone to developing stress cracks if the opening isn't reinforced.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19990055_10212093929817290_2881989976779839749_n.j pg?oh=cb2faf05e118afe6474cb1b6f71d97c4&oe=5A11E5C5

[prismways]

Yeah, I would say the plastic on these bikes are lower grade.

I got some gas on my lower fairing and it fell apart.


Because a plastic panel with a hole in it is more prone to developing stress cracks if the opening isn't reinforced.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19990055_10212093929817290_2881989976779839749_n.j pg?oh=cb2faf05e118afe6474cb1b6f71d97c4&oe=5A11E5C5

[MOTOXtreme]

Man, that stinks folks. Ive seen a few vids where people removed the tank plastic altogether but I'd want it on there. I'm honestly thinking I'll stalk craigslist until a cheap enough grom comes alone. Only like 2 more months riding time for me anyway ( I aint freezing my ass off ) lol

[Skin Mechanic]

It's the 2nd day of vacation and I've decided to work on the tank surround while I wait for USPS to deliver a replacement fuel pump for the aprilia. I thought about using fiberglass resin and mesh, or bondo for the repair, which would cost around $15. A waste of money for a tiny repair, IMHO, so I went with some epoxy stick that I already had in my tool box. The cover is attached to the tank with 6 screws and can be removed in under 2 minutes.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20374414_10212213194438831_7564335629857179749_n.j pg?oh=d82afe33b3c11b9b766c58450cea581a&oe=59FC01FA

I removed the mesh trim insert and wiped the area down with lacquer thinner. The plastic had a rough texture so sanding wasn't necessary. The epoxy hardens in 5 minutes and is completely cured in a few hours.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-0/p552x414/20248258_10212213194318828_897197932025692993_o.jp g?oh=3da7d9572fd671d7dc43b9063f0a08bf&oe=5A0E6518

The edge of the opening chipped at one of the breaks and I was able to fill it in and smooth it out before the epoxy set up.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20258040_10212214405789114_4675033277367176007_n.j pg?oh=40a93714eb4494cf92bd58d38e9b5abd&oe=59FF4CBE

After reassembling the tank cover I went over the cracks with a white out pen. The repair will pass casual inspection, eventually I'll plasti-dip the tank when the crappy paint job wears out.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20245498_10212214405949118_436104367553441595_n.jp g?oh=7508da7756f382f11b1993a814cdbd8d&oe=59FBB6CE

[BlackBike]

Looks good. No one knows it's there but you. Ahh, good ol quality China bike plastics.

[Skin Mechanic]

Looks good. No one knows it's there but you. Ahh, good ol quality China bike plastics.

Thanks for the compliment, the quality of the repair is in keeping with the quality of the bike :lol: Anywho, while the bike was down for cosmetic repairs I decided to plasti-dip the side covers black, with red mesh inserts to match the ones on the tank cover.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20429964_10212228494621326_2533645178542426285_n.j pg?oh=6cbb91304979aace0b1189932b0b00a5&oe=5A07E721

And I scrounged up some carbon fiber vinyl from another project and wrapped the gas cap trim panel. I thought about wrapping the pillion cover, but that might be a little excessive.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20294327_10212228494421321_8887196544388992755_n.j pg?oh=7f4c0375f82388dd17a32d60be94ea5f&oe=5A37701F

[prismways]

Looks really good. Definitely stands out!